CONVICTED (2022) | Siobhan Wallace, born 16 August 1986, of Valley Gardens, Kirkcaldy KY2 5UD – failed to get help for her dog when she had a weeping infection and claws so long they grew over her paw pads.
Five-year-old Shih Tzu Daisy was removed from Siobhan Wallace’s care after SSPCA officers found her with severely overgrown fur, discharge coming from an ear and overgrown nails. Her coat was dry and flaky and pus was pouring from her ears, which were badly inflamed.
When officers asked Wallace if Daisy had received any medical help, she admitted she hadn’t attended a vet in seven months and blamed Covid-19.
The dog was removed and urgently taken to a local vet.
On examination, she was found to have an infection in both ears. She also had a 2.5cm mass-like lesion in her mouth which caused discomfort when touched.
Her nails were so long they had to be removed using forceps, with some wounds on her paws also infected.
In court, Wallace pleaded guilty to failing to provide medical care for her dog.
Solicitor David Cranston, defending, said Wallace had saved the dog from her unscrupulous former owners.
“The dog had not been well-loved by its previous owners.
“It was kept outside and seems to have been used for breeding – this appears to have been quite lucrative.
“But having reached the end of her purpose the owners made her (Wallace) aware they were going to get rid of it and that would not have been in the most humane way.”
He said the dog was so terrified by her previous treatment, a grooming salon was unable to treat her on a one-to-one basis and the two-to-one ratio needed was forbidden by lockdown laws.
Mr Cranston added Wallace had taken steps to do right by the dog, stating: “She could have tied it to a tree and made it someone else’s problem but realising she had a problem, she contacted the SSPCA.”
Sheriff Alison McKay said she was concerned by the amount of time it took Wallace to seek help from the Scottish SPCA.
However, she stopped short of issuing an animal banning order, stating it was apparent Wallace is now more aware of the expense of keeping a dog.
Speaking about the case, Scottish SPCA inspector Stephanie Ross admitted there was disappointment Wallace had not received a harsher punishment.
She said: “We are disappointed that Wallace hasn’t received a disqualification order but pleased she received a fine and that Daisy has gone on to find a loving new home where she will be cared for in the proper manner.
She added : “It would have been obvious that Daisy was uncomfortable and we would expect any reasonable owner to have recognised this and sought veterinary treatment sooner.”
Sentencing | £375 fine and a £20 victim surcharge.
Scumbag gutter trash !!!
The importance of Veterinary help early on is a must.
That way it is easier to keep on top of Medical Conditions Early.
That said she could have Clipped the Nails back with a Pet Nail Clipper. These are a Few Pounds on Ebay.
Also could have tried regularly Bathing The Ears, and Purchasing Ear Ointment again for a Few Pounds.
Also a good Bath and Trim can be done at home.